Calendar

BioBlitz 2018

Date/Time

Sep 21, 2018 to Sep 22, 2018
09:00 AM until 06:00 PM

Description

Understanding the Diversity and Interconnection of Life BioBlitz 2018

Sponsored by Catskill Center for Conservation and Development

and Woodstock Land Conservancy

BioBlitz pairs scientists and expert naturalists together with people of all ages to study the wildlife, plants and biodiversity at the Catskill Center’s Thorn Preserve, a beautiful 60-acre preserve containing a stream, pond, wetlands, forest, and open meadow. The annual event is free and open to all ages, allowing participation in any one of the many hourly walks that will occur over the two-day schedule. Dates are Friday, September 21 from 9:00am to 9:00 pm and Saturday, September 22 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Rain date is September 23, 2018.

Using your smartphone you’re invited to help scientist/naturalists catalogue and photograph the species in the preserve. Interested parties attend a pre-BioBlitz data collection training, by registering with Gkasher@gmail.com One will learn about the diversity of life and how each species plays a role in the success of another. Last year nearly 300 species were identified! A “base camp” tent will offer a place to gather, relax, peruse guide books, play bioblitz bingo, collaborate, discuss finds, and compile data.

Why is BioBlitz 2018 important? Biodiversity is a powerful indicator of environmental quality. An ecosystem under any kind of stress, such as pollution or habitat fragmentation, will show a drop in biodiversity. Data collected at the BioBlitz will be used to study the changes that occur at the Catskill Center’s Thorn Preserve and to make thoughtful management decisions to preserve the biodiversity of the habitat.

This year artists are invited to participate in creating works of art inspired by the BioBlitz, Biodiversity or the Thorn Preserve itself. A subsequent special exhibition at the Woodstock School of Art is anticipated to be scheduled later in the fall. For more information contact Ellie Reese at ellier.wlc@gmail.com.

Additionally, this year Woodstock Land Conservancy was fortunate to receive a grant from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation underwriting the appearance of the naturalists and scientists.

A complete schedule may be viewed at our website, thornpreservebioblitz.com To sign up for any of the walks (optional) please contact Georgia Asher at gkasher@gmail.com. Please, no dogs.

The Woodstock Land Conservancy is a non-profit organization committed to the protection and preservation of the open lands, forests, water resources, scenic areas and historic sites in Woodstock and the surrounding area.

The Catskill Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and foster the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of the Catskill region.